PBA

PBA: Frustrated Norman Black calls out officiating after Game 1 loss

Santino Honasan on Jul 09, 2018 11:00 PM

"It's not the first time. Of course we're frustrated, I'm frustrated, so what more them. Just want a fair shake, that's all."

Monday night at the Araneta Coliseum, Meralco absorbed an 88-81 loss to Ginebra, putting them just one loss away from getting eliminated in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals.

While Bolts Head Coach Norman Black credited their lack of defense in the second half for the loss, he felt as if there was another factor to take into consideration.

“We didn't play as good a defense in the second half. They made some shots in the second half. Just hope we can come out and get a better shake from the guys governing the games.” Black said following the loss. “I think there was some contact that could have been called but wasn't called and we're just tired already.”

Black cited an instance wherein he feels Bolts guard Chris Newsome should have been awarded free throws after getting fouled, but instead got no whistle.

“We played this team in the elimination round and they called it, what I think is, evenly and then we get to the playoffs and Newsome goes to the basket and I think the rule is if there is a contact when taking a shot, a foul should be called.”

“It was just a let-go situation. I don't really get that. It was a close game, few minutes to go in the game, those fouls have to be called.” Black continued.

The decorated veteran mentor went on to give another example of the questionable officiating, involving Bolts forward Jared Dillinger and what he believes was an incorrect travelling call.

“JD jumps up in the air, loses the basketball and the ball lands on the ground and they call traveling, nobody's even touched the ball yet.”

“I don't really get it.” An exasperated Black said.

As the saying goes, there’s no use crying over spilled milk, and Black is looking forward to game two, with hopes of more balanced officiating.

“We'll come back on Wednesday to do the best we can. Just hope we get a better shake from the guys governing the games because tonight, that was quite frustrating with the endgame. The game was called well in the beginning but in the end, I don't think it was called well at all.”

Pulling no punches, Black continued to call out the officials, expressing his frustration.

“Of course. It's not the first time. Of course we're frustrated, I'm frustrated, so what more them. Just want a fair shake, that's all. We've been through this before and we just want a fair shake, that's all we're asking for. Some of the guys governing the game can't give both teams, then they shouldn't be governing the games, they shouldn't be there.”

“But we leave that up to the commissioner after he fines me for what I just said.” Black added.

Fine or no fine, Black and the Meralco Bolts get the chance to bounce back when they take on Ginebra in Game 2, Wednesday, July 11th at the Araneta Coliseum.